The Ultimate Camping Gear List: What to Bring Camping

Since we moved back to California, we’ve been camping pretty regularly. Camping is the best way to break with your daily routine and explore areas of nature that just wouldn’t be accessible from a hotel. It can take awhile to acquire all the right camping gear, I’ll be honest, but lucky for you, I’ve done the work for you by creating this camping gear list.

Camping was certainly made easier by heading out with friends whose gear complemented ours. I’ve created an overview of my must have camp gear – it might seem like a lot, but after camping a few times, I’ve found that all of these items have made our camping trips much more comfortable!

Tip: I keep a big plastic bin in my garage filled with all the small(er) camping items I need to bring and items I might forget. That way, packing to go camping is a breeze. I just throw the box into the car along with the big items, and we are on our way!

In this post, you’ll find tips on what to bring camping, and must have camping gear. So, let’s dive in!

P.S. if you’re looking for great places to camp in California, check out these posts:

Camping supplies list

What to bring camping…the basics

Sleeping bag: When it comes to camping necessities, a sleeping bag is right up there at the top. If you’re getting ready to buy your sleeping bag, you’re going to want to put a bit of thought into it. Where are you planning to camp? How cold does it get there? You’ll want to make sure that any sleeping bag you buy is going to keep you warm in the areas where you’ll camp.

Tent: When you buy your tent, do yourself a favor and double check that it is waterproof. Chances are, it is, but I’ve camped with friends in the rain who didn’t have a waterproof tent, and let’s just say they didn’t have a nice night. If you’ve never bought a tent before, think about how many people will be sleeping in it before you buy. Bigger might seem better, but if you’re alone or a couple, you’ll get cold easily in a big tent. Stick to the appropriate size!

Sleeping pad: Besides your sleeping bag, the sleeping pad is one of the most important items you’ll bring, and is at the top of the camping essentials list. Which one you buy really depends on how high or low maintenance you are (honestly). I have a backpacking sleeping pad (although I only go car-camping), and I’ve slept on it for four nights in a row with absolutely no problems. It inflates in less than a minute, you can blow it up yourself, and it takes up virtually no space.

Pillow: A pillow is one of the items I tend to forget the most, doh! I typically just bring a pillow from home, but there are specific camping pillows if you’re feeling fancy.

Tarps: A tarp under your tent will help keep you warmer at night, since it will keep the ground moisture away from your tent. Trust me, you need one. They are cheap, so there’s no excuse not to have one. We actually bring a couple of them just in case it rains and we need to construct a make shift canopy.

Things to bring camping… so you can eat!

Cook stove: A camp stove is one of the basic camping items, and you don’t need anything fancy. I have this one from Coleman which works just fine. It has two burners, and is easy to clean.

Propane: Speaking of stoves, you’re going to need to fuel them somehow, so make sure you put propane canisters on your list of things you need for camping. We typically go through at least one per trip, so make sure you have two with you when you head out just to be sure.

Lantern: One of the best parts of camping is chilling at the campsite at night, so if you want to see what you’re doing, i.e. cooking, you’re going to want to bring a lantern with you. You’ll also need a propane tank for this, so make sure you plan ahead! (you can also buy batter powered lanterns, but those are heavy and you’ll have to bring size D batteries…

Cooking kit: I got this cooking kit from my wedding registry on Amazon and it is perfect. Everything fits into this compact holder, and includes a cutting board, knife, rice paddle, spatula, scissor, tongs and a ladle. Oh, and it includes the ever important wine bottle opener, which is always a must have on any camping gear list.

Mess kit: Sure, you can bring paper plates and plastic cutlery and just throw them away at the end of every meal, but I prefer not to since that isn’t very good for the environment, and I find myself trying to cut back on single-use plastic as much as possible. Invest in a mess kit with plates, bowls, coffee mugs, and silverware. Sure, you have to clean these up, but they are much better to use!

One pot, one pan: Pots and pans can be so easy to forget while camping, but please don’t forget them! We like to bring a cast iron skillet with us. Although it is super heavy, it is super easy to clean with just hot water and a paper towel.

Cooler: A cooler is as crucial to camping essentials as a tent or cook stove. Don’t forget to continually refresh your ice to keep your perishables (and your beer!) cold

Can opener: Ah, the oft overlooked can opener. Having beans with your hotdogs? Better remember that can opener. Nothing is more pathetic than trying, and failing, to pry open a can.

French press or percolator: No need to forego coffee when camping, just bring along your french press or percolator, and wake up to a hot cup of joe in the morning.

Lighter: Oh giver of warmth and food! Don’t ever forget a lighter! You’ll need it to start your ever important campfire, light your stove, etc. This is one of the most important items to bring!

Camping necessities to make you more comfortable

Fire starters: I have to admit, we haven’t always had much luck with fire starters, and pinecones are honestly the best kindling around. That said, I always find it handy to have fire starters with us, just in case we have trouble getting our fire going.

Camp chairs: We got these backpacking camp chairs as a Christmas present and we love them! Not only to they barely take up any room in our car, but they are also super easy to deconstruct and put back in their pouches. And, they are surprisingly comfortable! These are on our list of must have camping gear.

Head lamp: Is there a better invention than the head lamp? Well, probably, but head lamps are a must-have for me while camping. They keep your hands free and are bright as hell. If a headlamp isn’t on a camping gear list, I wouldn’t trust it, although, truth-be-told, you’ll look a bit dorky. Don’t bother using the flashlight on your cell phone, the head lamp is your friend!

Water jug: I have to admit, I stole this idea from my friends with pride. I STRONGLY recommend bringing a water cooler with you – this is especially handy at campsites with vault toilets and only a few faucets. We fill up the water jug and keep it at our picnic table, and use the water to wash our hands, brush our teeth and clean off fruits and veggies. If you’re at a place with vault toilets, it is really nice to get a chance to actually wash your hands.. trust me, this is one of the best camping tips I’ve ever gotten!

Hammock: I LOVE our camping hammock. There is something about swinging between a couple of trees, next to an alpine lake that just feels like heaven, which makes it a must on my camping gear list. Do yourself a favor and buy one.

Slack line: My husband loves to practice his balance on a slack line, and it is the perfect camping activity. Trying to slack line barefoot in the forest always makes me feel like a hippy… and I like that!

Portable Speaker: Although I often camp in areas with no cell service, I like to play my downloaded music from Spotify Premium over bluetooth on my JBL speaker. Music sets the campfire mood.

Giant Jenga: ok, so this will take up a bit of extra room in your car, but it is so worth it! Technically this isn’t jenga, it is “Tumbling Timbers,” but it is a great game to play while having a beer.

Gabby is a native (Northern) Californian who spent the majority of her 20’s living the expat life in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, exploring Europe and beyond. 27 countries later, she’s relocated back to her home base in California where she explores her passions for the travel and the outdoors.

About

Hi, I'm Gabby. A Northern Californian who spent eight years living as an expat in Amsterdam and traveling whenever and where ever I could. Back in California now I explore my love of the outdoors and am always ready to share my honest travel tips.